Report: Special needs program lacks space, staff

MARLBOROUGH - The school district's special education programs suffers from staff shortages and a lack of classroom space, according to a report the School Committee reviewed last night.

Eric Athas/Daily News correspondent

The school district's special education programs suffers from staff shortages and a lack of classroom space, according to a report the School Committee reviewed last night.

Members of the Parent Advisory Committee examined special needs facilities throughout the district and found that the district is doing a good job.

"The great majority of students of Marlborough are currently being served appropriately," states the report. "There are, however, some immediate concerns."

Most of the report's "concerns" revolve around staffing and space. At the high school, a lack of room has forced some students out of the learning center and into the library or classrooms when taking exams, according to the committee's report.

The overflow of students outside the learning center makes it difficult to maintain "confidentiality of the special education students," the report reads.

George E. Whapham, the outgoing co-Chairman of the Special Education Parent Advisory council said: "It was almost impossible to deal with students in small rooms and maintain confidentiality."

The report added after stopping by a U.S. History "pullout" classroom, "one has the feeling of having visited a dungeon."

The report states the problem was brought to the attention of the School Committee a year ago.

Whapham said the problem is currently being taken care of. He was officially replaced by Jeanette Sequiera and Fawn Gracey last night. Sequiera prepared and presented the report.

An overall lack of staff throughout the district's special education programs could be a result of an increase of 100 additional students with Individualized Education Programs, the report says.

"We need more educational assistants and para-educators in every classroom," according to the report.

The current location of the Marlborough Early Childhood Center "is clearly no longer the most appropriate place," says the report. During the PAC's tour, they reported children crowded and bumping into each other. The review states the current location for the MECC is "a present and future liability concern for the district."

"They're using every little closet, every shelf," said Whapham, "there's just no more room for them."

At the three elementary schools, the report found a "different operational philosophy at each one."

The Jaworek, Richer and Kane Elementary Schools each operate separately, possibly because of the different personalities of the principals, the report says.

Superintendent Barbara McGann said there is a difference in philosophies, but the principals of the elementary schools are working together to change.

During last night's meeting, Dianna Peterson, current Assistant Director of Special Education was appointed as the Interim Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

McGann said there is no telling how long Peterson will hold that spot. She said it's important to keep the program stable until the right candidate is hired.

The PAC summarized the report by stating "It is clear that we have much wealth in the talent, positive attitudes and cogent use of all available resources that many of the professional and para-educator staff exemplify."

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